While this topic may seem offensive to some, I felt it was important for people to be aware of the warning signs. Embracing what you may not be aware of can lead to your safety. Knowledge is power! The grooming process is one that is done slowly over time, as desensitize the victim into accepting the sexual activity. Below I have complied a list of behaviors that typical preadtors exhibit.*They may give your child gifts or money for no reason.*They have a sudden interest in your child...babysits for free, drives to soccer lessons, etc.*Preadors may hang out in places where there are only kids (ex: at a playground without a child of their own)*If they seem too perfect, they very well may be. Preadators often Invovle themselves in your families life or are highly recognized within their community. This is done to throw off their trail and secure their innocence.*They look for parents who appear to be in despair. Single moms, busy parents.*The abuse starts slow. Sometimes they will tell inappropriate jokes or use inappropriate language. This is their way of "testing" to see how the child will react.*If the child accepts the language, the abuse can move towards kisses on the lips that linger. Once the perpretrator is confident that the victim won't tell, they move on to other forms of touching. If the child still doesn't tell, then the abuse continues along the continuum of abuse from non contact, to contact, and then often ending with penetration. *Stastistics show that an average serial perpetrator may abuse 400 children in a lifetime. Making your children aware of the signs and letting them know that it is okay to tell when they feel uncomfortable is a great way to help them protect themselves. By talking openly about the subject they will be more compelled to come forward and confide in you.

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I have the privilege of being able to shape the minds and lives of children who are battling disabilities. It can be very trying at times, but more often than not it is very rewarding. As a mother of a child with a disability, I know the struggles that they go through on a daily basis. This allows me to have a little more compassion for the people that I work with.